Employers complain of 'skills gaps'

Over half of British business owners claim there are skills gaps in the workplace which prevent them from recruiting the right people for their companies.

A study released by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) last week, revealed that two-fifths of employers are concerned about even the most basic of skills, such as reading, writing and arithmetic.

Business owners believe that poor skills impact negatively on customer service and productivity levels, which can potentially damage business performance.

The CBI's deputy director-general, John Crindland, said: "Being skilled is all the more important in an increasingly global economy and our message to students is that your hard work to attain the right skills and good qualifications is essential to securing quality, well-paid jobs after school, college or university."

It is also predicted that the number jobs requiring degree-level workers will increase, with the UK moving away from labour-intensive industries.

Earlier this month the government announced plans to improve the links between universities and businesses, to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills they need to progress in the workplace.